Auto theft suspect injured in high speed crash

A high speed pursuit by the California Highway Patrol of a stolen vehicle came to an abrupt end when the suspect crashed in Turlock.

The suspect, identified as Joaquin Martinez, 18, was hospitalized with major injuries he sustained in the crash. He also was arrested on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of methamphetamine, and evading a peace officer, the CHP reported.

Martinez was spotted by a CHP officer in the stolen vehicle headed northbound on Highway 99, near the Winton Parkway, around 4:45 a.m. Friday. The officer attempted to pull Martinez over, but Martinez sped off in the 2005 Mazda.

Martinez drove the stolen car erratically, zigzagging from the right shoulder to the center divide, at speeds in excess of 100 mph, according to the CHP.

Martinez got off the highway at W. Main Street, but got right back on the highway again. He sped toward Fulkerth Road and was veering towards the off ramp when he lost control of the Mazda, the CHP reported.

Martinez was ejected from the vehicle when it rolled over. He was found by the CHP sitting next to the Mazda.